Thanks I found a really good deal on the 057 so I will probably go with that get a carbon fork and rims

Sitar, that's what I was thinking.  Thanks for the help.

Can we get another update on how the bike is holding up? How's the fork doing? Also what do you think of the integrated bars

I have been looking into the 056 and the 256 and asked hong fu and xmiplay about pricing. I was told the 056 is $400 before shipping and the 256 was $545 before shipping. Can someone explain the difference in price or justify spending that much more on the 256?

One more newbie question, I ride a 19.5 frame right now so would a 19 256 frame fit me? Also BSA vs bb30 for a bottom bracket? Which will be best in the long run?  I hate asking questions when I don't have a lot to contribute to the forum, but maybe in the future I can.

Thanks a lot, this info really helps. I'll look into some of the other frames you mentioned

I hear on other forums that the FM056 frame is the way to go for a 29er? Does it matter which FM056 I buy or are they all the same quality? I have a new trek marlin 7 and would like to transfer as many parts as possible, is there a better frame option?  Thank you guys for any help you can provide. I know there are many posts through out the interweb about the FM056 but I could not find much on the questions that I have asked.

Not new to the sport but very new to carbon as well as Chinese frames. I am in the military so budget frames are high on my list but I also appreciate quality. This forum has been a wealth of knowledge.